System and method for detecting a breach of an electronic article surveillance tag

Abstract

An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]n / aSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]n / aFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tags, and in particular to EAS tags having anti-defeat mechanisms.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Electronic article surveillance systems are used for inventory control and to prevent theft or unauthorized removal of articles from a controlled area. The EAS systems include transmitters, receivers, and EAS tags. Typically, the transmitters and the receivers are positioned at entry / exit points of the controlled area and the EAS tags are affixed to articles that are located within the controlled area. The EAS tags include a marker or a sensor that receives the transmitter signals and generates a response signal that is detected by the receiver. The EAS system generates an alert signal when the response signal is detected within a predefined distance of the receiver.[0005]A va...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]According to another embodiment, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag is provided and includes a tag body that defines an interior having an opening that leads into the interior of the tag body and a lanyard mounting structure that is coupled to the tag body. The securing device includes a lanyard having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is coupled to the lanyard mounting structure in the tag body interior. The securing device further includes a fastener that is coupled to the second end of the lanyard and a pin assembly that is coupled to the fastener. The lanyard, the fastener and the pin assembly have substantially equivalent cross-sectional profiles. The substantially equivalent cross-sectional profiles facilitate threading the lanyard, the fastener and the pin assembly through small openings.

Problems solved by technology

The separate tacks are easily misplaced, which causes unnecessary frustration to users and replacement costs.

Images